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Looking for Inspiration

Thursday, August 15, 2013

After recommitting myself to loosing weight yesterday I didn't start out the rest of my day, mainly the evening, with the best of food choices. Well supper started out ok....it consisted of mainly fish and veggies and a few homemade baked spiced potato wedges (baked, never fried). Actually supper was quite healthy and very delicious if I do say so myself. LOL! Later on in the evening I began to get hungry again so I had a handful of chips and then finished off the chocolate ice cream. Yep my will power sucks.

I'm finding it very hard to find time for me to get in exercise, that's the worst part for me. Since my husband passed away almost 4 months ago (and about 6 months even before that) most of my time and energy is focused on work and making sure the kids have as normal as a life as possible. Before my husband's cancer came back he would tell me to work on myself and he'd run the kids around when needed. No my kids aren't little they're 15 and 12 but I want to cherish this time I have left with them living under my roof because in all honesty in 3 years time my life will most likely change again as my son may end up moving away for college / university. Right now its not all roses and sunshine in our house as they're both teens and going through normal emotional teen issues on top of loosing their Dad; many times there's more chaos instead of peaceful harmony (like I'll ever know what that's like ha ha). Bottom line is I just need to find and make the time for myself to get in some exercise.....and there's NO WAY I'm going to work out before I go to work. I hate mornings and in order for me to do that I'd have to be up at 5 am. As it is I do well to get 5 hours sleep a night so there's no way I'm not cutting out any sleep time. I'm thinking I'll have to do short spurts of exercise here and there where I can fit it in. Any ideas? I just need some inspiration.

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HIPPICHICK1
You don't necessarily need willpower. Stop buying ice cream and chips. There's little the in the way of nutrients in those foods anyway. That's how I work it anyway. If it isn't in the house, I'm less likely to eat it.

If I were you I would just start walking on my coffee breaks. Twice a day, 15 minutes each time. It's a baby step, but that's what we all need when getting back into exercise. Once you have that habit under your belt you can think of what else you might like to do.

The only constant is change, my dear.

2751 days ago
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CD9394210
These are challenging times for you.
I understand about not exercising in the morning, I like my mornings calm also!
Take it easy and I hope you find what works for you!
2752 days ago
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WESTCOASTGIRL2
I don't think I can top the advice of the others below...but maybe you can find a drop in class of something - anything - close by that you can squeeze in at least sometimes. That's what I've done on most of my Monday nights -- yoga. Then I go 30 min early and get some cardio before, and its enough to have gotten me kickstarted. Perhaps there is a drop in program your kids can do at the same time at the same center? or, have a good talk with them and let them know that if they do chores x,y,and z for you while youre out you will be able to dedicate 100% of your time to them at some other particular time. They may not be thrilled right away, but they will love you for it I'm sure.
2753 days ago
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ALOUIE
Breath is the first suggestion. I have never lost a spouse but I did lose a child. The lose is not the same at all but the grief is consuming and deep. Try doing things that will bring you closer as a family. Kids may not be overweight but everyone needs exercise. Start a nightly walk routine. It won't burn the same cals at the gym but it is still moving that is the KEY!!! Try going on a bike ride together or hikes or even a circuit training in your living room with the kids. Get creative have fun laugh and enjoy each other.

My heart does break for your lose. I just got married less than 2 months ago and I tear up at the thought of going through what you are. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

(: Angie
2753 days ago
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JLDACQ
Doing short spurts of exercises is better than none at all. Somewhere on Spark, I read that doing 5 minutes is good, doing 10 is better, and everything after that is a big bonus to your body. It's actually a better fitness plan to do shorter workouts throughout the day. I still haven't returned to my morning break walk, the will just isn't there yet.

Will power takes practice. It's a mind set, and one that needs to be nurtured to be effective.

Creating a "new normal" may be the way to go for your current family life. I'm still adjusting to mine, even with all the good things happening right now. I see you praising them often on FB, especially when one of them does something where you didn't have to yell at them to do it. Think it through and see if you can get the kids involved too, to find ways and time to get exercise together. At least in the short term, until your will power is stronger (from practicing it).

You will find the time to work out, if you want it enough. I know I don't want those morning walks enough to get my chunky butt out of my office chair, but I am still very committed to my lunchtime workouts. I haven't re-committed to functional fitness enough, my yard is where that happens, and my yard is currently quite a mess.

Oh... a word from the wise. Don't expect to be back to your normal energy levels for at least a year. It's been 10 months, and I still can't finish a 1hr walk... 45 mins is the most I can do right now, and the weights I use are lighter again. Be kind to yourself too.... we widows tend to forget that part.

*hugs*
2753 days ago
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EMTCHICK109
So sorry your loss. Dealing with the death of a loved one can take it toll on your health.

Since you are looking for inspiration, here are some hopefully helpful tips: Schedule time for yourself in your day. As crazy as this sounds, schedule 30-60 minutes of me time. Read a book, take a bath, go for walk. Do something that is just for you.

If your children play sports, go for a walk while you are waiting for them to be done with practice. I have seen many parents do that.

If you get a lunch break or even 15 minute break throughout your work day, take a walk around your building. I work on the 3rd floor of my building. I'll take the stairs to the basement, walk the hallway in the basement, take the stairs to the first floor, do a lap (it makes a circle) and head back up the stairs to the 3rd floor.

Sleep is so important for your health and your weight loss journey. If possible, try to get 7 hours of sleep. It is harder than it sounds.

There are also so many inspirational articles and stories here on sparkpeople. Take time to read them. Post on message boards, write blogs. People will inspire you.

I hope that this helps. Take care!

2753 days ago